August 12, 2026 Total Solar Eclipse: Where to Watch and How to Stay Safe

A rare celestial event will bring total darkness to parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal as millions witness a partial eclipse across wider regions.

A spectacular total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026, as the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, creating a rare astronomical event that will be visible across parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The eclipse will see the Moon’s shadow travel across the planet, with the narrow path of totality passing through Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small part of Portugal. Observers within this path will experience the breathtaking moment when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing its glowing outer atmosphere known as the corona.

Millions of other viewers across parts of Canada, the United States, Europe, and western Africa will witness a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun.

What causes a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow onto the planet.

A total solar eclipse is possible because of a remarkable coincidence in space. Although the Sun is around 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also approximately 400 times farther away from Earth, allowing the Moon to appear large enough to completely cover the Sun from our perspective.

READ MORE: Mahama nominates Zanetor Rawlings and Mahama Ayariga as ministers in cabinet reshuffle

However, solar eclipses do not happen every month because the Moon’s orbit is tilted by about five degrees compared with Earth's path around the sun. Most of the time, the Moon’s shadow passes above or below Earth during a new moon.

The Moon’s changing distance from Earth also affects the type of eclipse. When the Moon is farther away and appears smaller, it cannot fully cover the Sun, creating an annular eclipse, often called a "ring of fire" eclipse.

Where will the August 12, 2026, eclipse be visible?

The total solar eclipse will begin over remote areas of the Arctic before moving across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and northwestern Portugal.

According to astronomers, totality will begin at approximately 4:58 p.m. UTC and end around 6:34 p.m. UTC. The eclipse will reach its peak at about 5:46 p.m. UTC, when the longest period of total darkness will last up to two minutes and 18 seconds.

The viewing experience will vary depending on location. In Greenland and Iceland, observers will see totality higher in the sky during the late afternoon, while viewers in Spain will experience the eclipse close to sunset.

The lower position of the Sun in Spain could create a dramatic spectacle, but experts warn that mountains, buildings, trees, and clouds near the horizon could obstruct the view. Observers will need a clear western horizon for the best experience.

READ MORE: Top 10 most corrupt institutions in Ghana

Partial eclipse visibility across wider regions

Outside the narrow path of totality, a much larger area will experience a partial solar eclipse.

The event will be visible in parts of Alaska, northern Canada, the northern United States, eastern Canada, Europe, and western Africa, with viewing times varying depending on location.

During a partial eclipse, the Moon only covers part of the Sun. Even if almost the entire solar disk is blocked, the remaining sunlight is still powerful enough to prevent viewers from seeing the Sun’s faint corona.

How to safely watch the solar eclipse

Experts warn that looking directly at the Sun during a partial eclipse can cause serious eye damage. Viewers must use approved solar eclipse glasses or certified solar viewing equipment.

The only safe time to view the Sun without protection is during the brief period of totality, when the Moon completely covers the solar disk. As soon as sunlight begins to return, viewers must immediately use proper eye protection again.

The August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse is expected to become one of the most memorable astronomical events of the decade, offering millions of people a rare opportunity to witness the spectacular relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.